When looking at designs to add to your nails this autumn, you might be wondering how people manage to create that perfect ombré effect.
Ombré nails are a stunning feature and they can make your nails instantly look more grown-up and elegant, but creating this effect at home might seem well out of your reach. Today though we want to tell you why this is not the case and you can make some stunning ombré style nails at home yourself this week.
What you’ll need:
- Stick on nails
- A nail file
- A light color polish
- A darker color polish
- A top coat
- A small paintbrush
File down your nails
The first step to applying the perfect nails at home is to file down the surface of your existing nails to ensure it is smooth and that the glue will stick to it properly. When you come to file down your nails, you’ll create a slightly rough surface on the nail that will provide more surface area for the nail glue to stick, and therefore your stick-on will last for longer. Once you have done this, it is time to stick your nails on.
Stick on nails
When sticking your nails on, make sure you have access to some adhesive remover for skin as this can sometimes get a little messy. Once your nails are in place, you can cut and shape them to suit your style and file them to ensure the edges are perfectly smooth.
Choose your colors
Choosing the color scheme for your ombré nails should be fairly easy. Traditionally you would go for a lighter color such as yellow, and a darker color such as orange, that can be mixed in the middle and will create a simple effect. Make sure you choose colors that go together but that are different enough that you’ll notice the change. Take a look at this article from Coteshop for more color ideas.
Applying the polish
Now is the time to apply your polish. Start off with the darker of the two colors and apply this to the bottom half of your nail. While this is still wet, apply the lighter color to the top half. You need to work quickly when mixing nail polish as it will dry very quickly.
Use a brush to mix
Now that both colors are down, you need to take a small brush and dampen it slightly with water. Make sure it is NOT wet – just damp. Now, where the line of both colors meet, start to lightly stipple the area which will mute both of the colors and blur the line. Once you have done this a little bit, allow the polish to dry. Apply another coat of each and repeat this process until you are happy with the blurred effect you have created.
Apply a topcoat
To finish off your stunning ombré nails it is important to apply a topcoat. This will not only make the effect shine beautifully, but it will also add a protective layer to stop the product from rubbing off.
